The 10th edition of the Global Hospitality Conclave (GHC) was recently held at The Oberoi, New Delhi, marking a decade of thought leadership and celebrating 90 years of The Oberoi Group’s excellence in hospitality. Initiated by alumni of the Oberoi Centre for Learning and Development (OCLD), GHC has evolved into a leading platform for insightful industry dialogue, drawing professionals from across hospitality, travel, aviation, education, and luxury services.
This year’s conclave paid a heartfelt tribute to Rai Bahadur Mohan Singh Oberoi, the visionary founder of The Oberoi Group. In his opening address, Executive Chairman Arjun Oberoi honored the pioneering legacy of the founder, while CEO Vikram Oberoi emphasized the group’s enduring commitment to exceptional service, genuine care, and continuous innovation. Sudhir Gupta, Chair of GHC and Executive Chairman of TLC Digitech, described the conclave as more than just a reunion—an affirmation of the values and vision set forth by Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi and P.R.S. Oberoi, which continue to guide Oberoi alumni around the world.
Among the key highlights was the Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi Memorial Lecture, delivered by Dr. Ashwani Kumar, former Union Minister of Law and Justice, which reflected on the founder’s leadership and influence. A special session titled “A Legacy Remembered” featured journalist and author Bachi Karkaria in conversation with hospitality veteran Rajiv Kaul, discussing her biography Dare to Dream, chronicling the life of Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi.
The conclave also addressed current global and national issues. A panel discussion on India’s geopolitical landscape featured Arun Singh, Indrani Bagchi, and Prof. Harsh V Pant, moderated by Vice Admiral Anil Chopra. Innovation and entrepreneurship were highlighted in a fireside chat with food industry entrepreneur Viraj Bahl, moderated by Oberoi alumnus and Indian School of Hospitality Founder, Dilip Puri. A panel titled “Leisure Redefined” brought together luxury hospitality leaders from Brij Hotels, Evolve Back Resorts, Suryagarh Collection, and World Wilderness Trust to discuss evolving trends in leisure travel.
Another inspiring session, “The Wider Spectrum,” celebrated the success of OCLD alumni across various sectors, featuring Ajay Vij (Senior Country MD, Accenture India), Joe Manavalan (Co-Founder, Licious), and hospitality expert Sharad Puri, moderated by Shyam Mohan. These discussions showcased how Oberoi-trained professionals are excelling in diverse industries, upholding the group’s legacy of excellence.
As The Oberoi Group steps into its tenth decade, the Global Hospitality Conclave remains a vibrant platform for alumni to reconnect, reflect, and shape the future of global hospitality. The event reaffirmed the lasting influence of Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi’s vision and the global impact of OCLD-trained professionals who continue to set new benchmarks in service and leadership.
